Elroy G. Bade

     Elroy Gerhardt Otto Bade, 95, of Rogers City, passed away peacefully July 24, 2024, at My Michigan Medical Center in Alpena. 

     Elroy was born July 20th, 1929 in Belknap to Alfred and Mildred (Schroeder) Bade. Elroy attended Swan River School in Belknap and then worked on the family farm. Elroy played baseball on tri-county baseball and softball leagues for many years and received recognition for having the highest batting average in Northern Michigan for baseball in 1958. 

       Elroy served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany and Holland during the Korean War. On June 1, 1957, he married Valerie Faye McLennan at St. John Lutheran Church. Elroy worked for the city of Rogers City and later was employed at U.S. Steel/Michigan Limestone until his retirement. Elroy loved hunting. He had hunting dogs for 80 years of his life. He hunted bears, coyotes, bobcats, and deer. Even if it was 20 degrees below zero, he would still run his dogs on his ’74 Jag!

      He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee, deacon, and usher. He was also a member of VFW Post 607, the Little Oregon Hunting Camp in Moltke, and the Michigan Fox and Coyote Hunting Association. Elroy also enjoyed gardening and sports—especially the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings. He enjoyed desserts and was a connoisseur of Stroh’s beer. He also took pride in his yard and garden.

      Elroy is survived by two daughters, Brenda (Dennis) Kamyszek of Rogers City and Leigh (Pat) Chojnacki of Gaylord; one son, Brian (Tammy) Bade of Hawks; three grandsons, Brandon (Kaitlyn) Chojnacki, Travis (Robin) Chojnacki, and Caleb (Mallory) Bade; three granddaughters, Kelly (Kenny) Karsten, Lindsay (Mike) Truran, and Brittany Bade; three great-grandchildren, Josh Karsten, Kiah Truran, and Ellie Chojnacki; two brothers, Duane Bade and Durward Bade, and a son-in-law, Mark Horn. 

      He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Valerie; his daughter, Debra Horn; and two siblings, Melvin Bade and Arlene Kowalewsky.

     Friends may visit at St. John Lutheran Church on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 2:00 PM until the 3:00 PM Memorial Service with Pastor Joseph Bangert Officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences may be sent to hentkowskifuneral.com

    Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church General Fund.